Author Archives: graemelawrence

January: American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is attacked by an assailant hired by Tonya Harding’s ex-husband during the US Figure Skating Championships The Irish Government announces the end of a 15-year broadcasting ban on the Provisional IRA and its political arm Sinn Féin US President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin sign the KremlinContinue reading “The News of 1994.”

Four Weddings and a Funeral. Charles is a Hugh Grant type, nervously charming and charmingly nervous, by happenstance portrayed by the man himself. Charles is a serial monogamist, he’s had a string of girlfriends but is seemingly incapable of commitment. While serving as best man at his friend’s wedding he becomes transfixed by mysterious American,Continue reading “The Cinema of 1994.”

Back to the 90’s we go… What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Philadelphia. Cronos. Ladybird, Ladybird. Four Weddings and a Funeral. Dog Man Star – Suede. Protection – Massive Attack. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain – Pavement. Dubnobasswithmyheadman – Underworld. Re – Café Tacvba.

January: The pilot episode of Hone and Away airs The Phantom of the Opera opens on Broadway Margaret Thatcher becomes the longest serving 20th century UK Prime Minister , having been in power for eight years and 244 days February: The Winter Olympics are held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; the Soviet Union top the medalContinue reading “The News of 1988.”

Beetlejuice. Adam, portrayed by the greatest actor of all time, Arec Alec Baldwin, and his wife Barbara, Geena Davis, are staycationing in their quaint village hometown. Constantly interrupting their tranquil holiday is their real estate agent neighbour, who is adamant they should sell their house to a wealthy family from New York. On the wayContinue reading “The Cinema of 1988.”

Tracy Chapman. It’s a shame that in the playlist obsessed culture in which we live, that Tracy Chapman’s enduring legacy, for most people, will be “Fast Car”. It is without doubt a great song, but Chapman’s entire self-titled debut album is filled with unique songs, each containing poignant political and social commentary. She questions theContinue reading “The Sound of 1988.”

A First visit to the 80’s. A difficult choice of films had to be made: A Short Film About Killing. Akira. Beetlejuice. The Last Temptation of Christ. Bloodsport. And even more difficult choice of albums has been whittled down to the final five: Green – REM. Surfer Rosa – Pixies. Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman.Continue reading “Week 9: 1988.”

January: The European Economic Community (EEC) comes into being The first Carrefour opens in Annecy, France Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship aged 14 Battle of Hayes Pond: armed Lumbee Native Americans confront a gathering of Ku Klux Klan members in Maxton, North Carolina Godtfred Kirk Christensen files a patent for the plasticContinue reading “The News of 1958.”

The Atomic Mr. Basie. Probably the grandest sounding jazz record I’ve listened to, Count Basie and his orchestra produce brilliantly composed ordered chaos that conjures images of guys and dames swing dancing in a crowded ballroom. Champagne is flowing for the privileged guests of the function, while the segregated members of the band smoke andContinue reading “The Sound of 1958.”

The Seventh Seal. The 14th Century. Knight Antonius Block, and his squire Jöns, return to Sweden following the Crusades to find that the Black Plague has devastated the land. Antonius awakes on the shore to discover that Death is before him. Antonius strikes a deal with Death. They are to play a game of chess;Continue reading “The Cinema of 1958.”